Page 145 of State of the Union (First Family 3)

“His name is Shane Ramsey. He lives with his parents in Columbia Heights.”

The name Ramsey sent a shaft of electricity down Sam’s backbone. Not to mention, Columbia Heights wasn’t far from Rock Creek Park.

“This is helpful,” Sam said when she recovered from the initial shock of hearing that name. What were the odds of Shane being related to the sergeant? Please God, let there be no connection to him. “Ask where else we can find him besides home.”

She sent the text and then waited. “He works for an auto repair shop.”

Sam wrote down the address, which was also close to the park.

“And hangs out at a bar near work called Woodrefsens.”

“Thank you very much. If they ask why you want to know this stuff, please don’t tell them.”

“No problem. Do you think he had something to do with Ling’s murder?”

“We don’t know yet, but it’s the first solid lead we’ve had.”

Tears immediately filled Cassie’s eyes. “If her death had a connection to me, I’ll never forgive myself.”

“It had nothing to do with you. If this guy is tied to it in some way, that’s on him, not you.”

“Still… He met her through me.”

“No matter what, it’s not your fault, Cassie.”

“We all loved her so much,” Cassie said softly. “I can’t believe I have to go on with my life, go to class and work and study for exams, like nothing’s happened when the worst thing ever has happened.”

Sam handed her a card Dr. Trulo had made to give to victims of violent crime who might benefit from their grief group. “Our next meeting is in two weeks. Please come if you think it will help.”

“I will. Thank you.”

Sam left her with a promise to keep in touch with her and her roommates about the investigation. The woman who’d interrupted them waited at the hostess stand. As they approached, she held up her hand to stop them.

“I don’t care who you are, you can’t come into my place of business and interrupt one of my waitresses like that.”

“Detective Cruz, am I allowed to come in here to interview a material witness in a murder investigation?”

“Yes, you are, Lieutenant.”

“And will I arrest anyone who gets in my way?”

“You often do, ma’am.”

The woman glared at her. “You think you’re so cool.”

“I don’t think it. I know it. Now get out of my way before I have no choice but to arrest you. And if you hassle that young woman, whose roommate was brutally murdered, I’ll come back and arrest you myself.”

Sam pushed past her and headed for the door, feeling pretty good about herself for the first time since she’d fallen on ice and broken her hip.

“That was awesome,” Freddie said when they’d stepped into the cold.

“In case I forget to tell you, I appreciate how you always have the lines memorized.”

“I do what I can for the people.”

She shot a look over her shoulder. “Your lines. Not mine.”

When they were in the car, she turned to him. “Tell me Ramsey doesn’t have a son named Shane.”